Variable-speed transmission



G. M. HARRY VARIABLE SPEED TRANSMISSION Dec. 7, 1948.

4 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Sept. 25, 1946 Dec. 7, 1948.

G. M. HARRY VARIABLE SPEED TRANSMISSION 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Sept. 25, 1946 w r r Y m m .4 m W m m A L5H r//A .A ,fl/ m/ w a i 1... DW w o o 9 O o o o o o a o N x 0 O s o mm o I. t 0 Q o o mm o m E r A om o a a Q a mm V P H nn .m vflflflfl ufi h m Hu h 0 KW 4 l l o: m x9. MN l n l a f :r" F 1- 1 Illa! .I L J a. V Ju kb l fln l nl l hfl l n I an. l lfl h nlfl i l l l .l I! c 3 2 g A 2 Q O O O O O O O I, O9 1 O O O l 0 0 O 0 O G l 4 N mp Km o o o NN o l Ill hm m9 o wm mw E Q 7 i mm w E Dec, 7, 1948. G. M. HARRY 2,455,483

VARIABLE SPEED TRANSMISSION Filed Sept. 25, 1946 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 4 Inventor Geoffrey MHorry y E 00%, n; 4M

' Attorneys Dec. 7, 1948. G. M. HARRY VARIABLE SPEED TRANSMISSION 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 25, 1946 Patented Dec. 7, 194$ UNiED STATES PATENT ()FFICE VARIABLE-SPEED TRANSMISSION Geofirey M. Harry, Gak Park, 111.

Application September 25, 1946, Serial No. 699,215

17 Claims.

This invention relates to a variable speed transmission and more particularly to a positive drive speed transmission that is infinitely variable within a predetermined range and by which the speed of a driving unit may be increased or decreased for transmission to a driven unit.

The infinitely variable speed transmission of the present invention comprises generally pairs of adjustable conical discs mounted for adjustment on the driving and driven shafts and sprockets associated with the conical discs and adapted to engage an endless chain for the transmission of driving torque from the driving shaft to driven shaft. Heretofore, variable speed transmissions including such conical discs, sprockets and chains have been devised and utilized to a limited extent but in the main they have been commercially unacceptable due to deficiencies in construction and operation. One major deficiency of such prior transmissions was the inability of the sprockets to properly mesh with the chains at the exact instant of time when driving engagement under load was required with the result that the output of the transmission was intermittent and jerky due to lost motion and slippage and a noticeable vibration occurred. Hence they were not positive in their operation.

Another disadvantage of such prior transmissions of the above type resulted from the fact that it was necessary in order to accomplish a change of speed, to stop the device and then reconnect it to the machine to be driven, this stoppage obviously resulting in loss of time and in imperfect adjustment in speed. Also, due to their inherent construction such transmissions were capable of being operated in but one direction and were therefore quite limited in their application and use.

It is, therefore, one of the objects of the present invention to provide an improved infinitely variable, positive drive, speed transmission.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a variable speed transmission by which driving torque may be constantly transmitted to a driven unit without lost motion, slippage or undue vibration.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a variable speed transmission of the type comprising adjustable conical discs and a chain and sprocket drive in which the sprockets are arranged in pairs and are caused to properly mesh with the chain at the exact required instant of time without slippage, lost motion or undue vibration.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a variable speed transmission of the conical disc, chain and sprocket type which may be adjusted during operation thereof without operable disengagement thereof.

- Another further object is to provide a variable speed transmission of the chain and sprocket type which may be operated in either direction and wherein either of the shafts may be the driving or the driven shaft.

A still further object is to provide a variable speed transmission comprising a positive drive through adjustable conical discs, sprockets carried'by the discs and an endless chain engageable with the sprockets, the sprockets being arranged in pairs and freely self-adjusting for proper meshing engagement with the chain and being adapted to be locked together as a unit for driving or driven engagement with the chain.

Other and further objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent hereinafter as this description progresses, reference being had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a top plan view of a preferred embodiment of an infinitely variable, positive drive, speed transmission or speed changer comprising the present invention with the upper half of the casing removed therefrom;

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the speed changer taken on the irregular line 22 in Fig. 1, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Fig. 3. is a vertical sectional view of the pivotal supporting means for the conical disc controlling levers taken on the line 3-3 in Fig. 2, looking in the direction of the arrows;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional View showing the relationship and details of construction of the conical discs, chains, driving sprockets and the sprocket-carrying members.

Fig. 5 is a top plan view of the fragmentary structure shown in Fig. 4 but with the chains and chain bars removed therefrom and the top portions of the conical dics cut away; I

Fig. 6 is a fragmentary sectional view illustrating the relative positions of the pairs of driving sprockets as they appear when moving into engagement with the chains and after they are in complete driving engagement therewith;

Fig. '7 is a fragmentary, vertical sectional view showing a modified form embodying a single chain drive; and

Fig. 8 is a horizontal sectional View taken on the line 88 in Fig. 7, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Referring now more specifically to Figs, 1 and 2 of the drawings, there is illustrated a preferred embodiment of an infinitely variable, positive drive, speed transmission or speed changer comprising the present invention Which is mounted for operation in an oil bath within a casing ID. The casing ID comprises a lower base portion ll, an upper portion l2 having a central opening l3 at its top for access to the interior of the casing [0, which opening is closed by a readily removable cover l4. The cover M is secured to the upper portion of the casing I2 by ring bolts I6 with which hooks may be engaged for transporting the unit. The upper and lower portions of the casing ID are secured together by a plurality of bolts I extending through horizontal and outwardly directed flanges IIa and I2a of the casing portions II and I2, respectively, thereby forming a sealed oil tight compartment for the mechanism.

Extending transversely through the casing I 0- and projecting outwardly on each side thereof. in spaced relation are rotatable shafts ITand I8, the axes of which are parallel and inthesame horizontal plane. As will become apparenthereinafter, the structure and operation of the present speed transmission or speed changer is such that either shaft I! or shaft I8 may be the driven or the driving shaft depending upon which is connected-to the prime mover (not shown) and which is connected to the machineto be driven (not shown), the operation being exactly the same in either instance. However, for convenience and clarity of description, shaft I! will be designatedas the driving shaft and shaft I8 designated as the driven shaft. On each side-of the casing II] each of the shafts I! and I8 are rotatably mounted on ball bearings I9 secured within the ment therewith pairs of conically faced discs 24. and 26, and 2'! and 28, respectively, the members of the pairs being slidable inwardly toward each.

other. or outwardly away from each other on splines 29 secured. to the shafts I! and I8. As will. be more fully described'hereinafter, the inward.

and outward positions of. the pairs of conicaldiscs 24 and.26 and 21 and 28 determines the speed. at. which the driving torque is transmitted from. the driving shaft I? to. the driven shaftl8. The,

inward and outward movement of the speed .gov-

erning discs 24and 26 and 2'! and 28 iscontrolled by pairs of elongated levers 30 and 3I pivoted in.- termediate their ends, as shown in Figs. 1 andB, on pins 32, 32 which extend vertically through bifurcated support members 33, 33 pivoted by means of pins 34, 34 to inwardly projecting lugs- 36, 36 on the inner side walls of the lower casing.

portion II.

The left ends of the pairs of levers 30 and 3 I, as viewed in Figs. 1 and 2, are provided with aligned slots 31, 31, into which are received upstanding and depending pins 38 and 39 carried on the topv and bottom of split collars 4D and lI.v The split collars 4D and M are mounted in annular channels in outwardly directed hubs 24a and 26a of. the.

conical discs 24 and 26. Similarly, the pairs-of levers 3D, and 3! are provided with aligned slots- 42 and 43 intermediate their pivotal mountings at 32 and their right end portions, andinto these slots are received upstanding and depending pins. 44 and 46 carried on the top and bottom ofsplit collars 41' and 48, respectively, mounted. inannular channels of outwardly directed hubs 2la.and 28a of the conical discs Hand 28.. By the fore? going construction, rotative movement. of. the

pairs of levers 30 and 3I about their. pivotaLsupports on the casing lugs 36 will cause inward.

movement. of onepair ofdiscs toward each other.

and simultaneous outward movement of. the othen.

pair of discs away from each other. Thus, if the left ends of the pairs of levers 30 and 3| are pivoted inwardly, the collars and 4| are also moved inwardlysdasto cause the cliscs.24. ancLZG. on the driving shaft I;'I also to; move inwardly, Simultaneously, the collars 4! and 48 on the driven shaft I8 are moved outwardly forcing the discs 21 and 28 to also move outwardly and thus spread to more widelyiseparated positions.

In order to. effect the pivotal movement as above described, the pairs of levers 30 and 3I are provided; with slots: 50 and 5| adjacent their right ends into which are received upstandin and depending pins 52 and 53 secured to the top and bottom of threaded nuts 54 and 56. The nuts E f-and 5B are mounted intlireaded engagement on aligned screws 5-? and* 33 respectively, extending in-a-direotion' transversely of the casing" Ill at the right thereof andbeing supported at" their outer ends in-bear-ings 59 and 60 secured to theinner wall of the casing I0. on the'inner' adjacent ends-of the screws 57 and 58 there are mounted bevel gears- B-I' and 62, respectively, for rotative movement therewith by means: of-rkeys 33 Each of the bevel gears BI. andl 62i are in constant mesh witha bevel gear 64 secured to the lower-end of a vertical shaft 68; and on theupper end-of this shaft, which projectsthrough and=above the casing- IIi, is keyed ahand 'wheel 6?: having a handle 68 secured thereto. spacer disc fillalso is secured to the-upper. end: of the shaft between the hand wheel 61 and the upper. casing. member I 2. by. means: ofa:. pin: Ill. and thedisc 5.! may be-calibrated on its lower; edge inzrelationto armarkerinot' shown) OllLthe'; casing member lzitoindicate the different speeds; obtainable. by rotation of the hand: wheel. 6!. The spacer discv I53. and; the hand wheel; 61' also: serve to support; the shaftfifi. at itsaupper: end; While an upstanding bracket] I'bolted: tothe'inner" endiwa'lhof' therlower: casing portion H. and pro:- jeoting'inwardly therefrom supports theshaft for rotative-movement at its lower end: Thus; when the. hand wheel t l'is rotated, pivotal movement 1 of thespairsof levers 30. and'3I is effected'throughi the shaft 36; the: bevel: gear 64, the: bevel gears.- SI. and 32, the screws; 53' and 58 and the:nuts 54 and 56-, the, nuts 54- and: 56.- moving: eithercloserv together or farther apart on the.- screwss 5 1 and. 58. so: asto. move the right endsv of the;

pairs-of levers 30 and SI either closer. together or farther apart, depending upon-thedirectioni of rotation of the hand wheel 61.

Theconstruction. and operation of l the: conical discs 24 and 26-on the drivingshaft I."Iland:their. associated radially movable sprocket and. gear units are;- in the'preferred embodiment of the present invention, identical in construction: to; the:conica1 discs 27 and 28 and their assooiated\ sprocket. and gear units on the driven: shaft. I8,-, and, therefore, it will sufiice to desori'bedn detail: but oneof the. conical disc assembliess As shown more particularly in Figs. 2.4; and 5: of the drawings, eachofthe-conical discs 24 andi 28.are.provided with threesradiallydirected slots, IE-spacedapproximately apart'and inwvhich: sprocket-supporting segments 13. and" 14 are. adapted-to move in aradial directionas the discs 24 and 25 are moved relative to each other: in a direction: depending upon whether'the speed.- of

rotationof the driven shaft lfl isetoibeincreasedr or'reduced, The segments 13 and14 are sup-- ported by andwbetween the inclined faces ofthe1 conical discs 24 andZB, and have integraliextens sions lfi. andfll extending, through and. beyond the disc slots 12. Fixed pins 18 and 19 extend transversely through the extensions 1.6 and I1 and rotatably support pairs of rollers 80 and 8| which engage and. rotate against smooth finished pads or tracks 15 and 82 on the rear inclined faces of the conical discs 24 and 26, respectively. The faces of the segments I3 and I4 in engagement with the inclined inner faces of the discs 24 and 26 are machined at the same angle as the disc faces to facilitate sliding movement therebetween.

The segments I3 and. I4 are also provided on their inner sides with bosses 83 and 84 and 86 and 81, respectively, projecting in alignment toward each other and being provided with vertical faces disposed at right angles to the center line of the shaft II. Small fixed shafts 88 and 89 extend in parallel and spaced relation between and into aligned bores in the segment bosses 83 and 86 and 84 and 81, respectively, and they are held in place by retaining pins 90 and 9| extending through the respective ends of the shafts 88 and 89 and the bosses 83 and 86, and 84 and 81, respectively. When the segments 13 and 14 are thus connected together by the fixed shafts 88 and 89, a rigid sprocket-supporting unit is formed which may move radially up and down the faces of the discs 24 and 26 upon movement thereof.

Mounted on a bushing 92 for free rotation on the fixed cross shaft 89 is a sprocket 93 having a hub 94 to which is secured a gear 96. Similarly, a sprocket 97 having a hub 98 to which is secured a gear 99, is mounted on a bushing I for free rotation on the fixed cross shaft 89. The gears 96 and 99 are in alignment and in constant mesh While the sprockets 93 and 9'! are out of alignment and on opposite sides of the gears, one sprocket being adapted to be in advance or lead the other upon rotation of the conical discs 24 and 26.

The spaced sprockets 93 and 91 are adapted to engage endless roller chains IOI and I92 secured in parallel and properly spaced relationship to a plurality of supporting cross bars I03 by connecting lugs I04 and rivets I06. The chain support bars I03 may be of square cross section and their end faces I01 and I08 are beveled to conform to and evenly bear against the inclined inner faces of the conical discs 24 and 26. By the foregoing construction, as the conical discs 24 and 26 are moved, upon rotation of the handwheel 6T, relatively along the shaft I! with respect to each other, their inner inclined faces bear against the beveled faces I01 and I 08 of the chain bars I03 and against the inclined faces of the segments I3 and I4 and cause the bars I03 and the chains IM and I02 and the segments I3 and 14 to be forced simultaneously upwardly if the discs 24 and 26 are moved inwardly. If the conical discs are moved outwardly away from each other, then the sprocket-supporting segments are forced downwardly and inwardly toward the shaft H, the chain bars and chains also following simultaneously by moving downwardly and inwardly and thereby maintaining engagement with the sprockets at all times during adjustment.

When the speed transmission or changer comprising the present invention has been operably connected with a prime mover and to a machine to be driven, the rotative movement of the driving shaft I! will be transmitted to the chains IM and I02 through positive driving connections comprising the conical discs 24 and 26, the segments I3 and I4 and the sprockets 93 and 91 which engage the chains. There is no frictional drive through the engagement of the conical discs with beveled ends of the chain bars I03 but this engagement serves primarily to support the chains at the proper radial distance from the shaft I l for operable engagement With the sprockets. As shown in Fig. 2, at least one of the three pairs of sprockets 93 and 9! is always in full driving engagement with the chains ml and I02, the other pairs either being in or out of such full engagement. If, therefore, the driving shaft I1 is rotating in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig. 2, the sprockets 93 and 9i of the pair indicated by the letter A will each be in full driving engagement with the chains MI and I02. Each of these sprockets, although freely mounted on their respective shafts 88 and 89, are incapable of rotative movement on their shafts, since they are locked against rotation through the intermeshed engagement of their respective gears 96 and 99. The rotative forces of the discs 24 and26 tends to cause relative rotation of the sprocket 91 and its gear 99 in one direction and the rotation of the gear 96 and its sprocket 93 in the other direction. But since both sprockets of the pair A are in engagement with the chains WI and I02, respectively, they cannot rotate in opposite directions, or in any direction, and hence they drive the chains as positive fixed units without any slippage whatsoever.

The novel interrelationship of the gears and sprockets also enables the sprockets to become properly meshed in driving engagement with the chains without any lost motion or slippage whatsoever. Referring more particularly to Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings, the pair of sprockets A are in full driving engagement with the chains WI and I02 and consequently the chains IM and 102 are also being pulled or driven in a counterclockwise direction. In Fig. 6 the leading sprocket 91 of the pair indicated by the letter B has just moved into engagement with the chain I92. Should the leading tooth of the sprocket 9'! which is stationary fail to engage precisely between the roller portions of the chain, the sprocket will, due to the chain pressure and its free mounting on the fixed shaft 88, be turned slightly in one direction or the other until they are in perfect mesh.

This slight rotational positioning movement of the sprocket 91 with respect to the chain I02 is transmitted to the sprocket 99 through the gears 96 and 99, the sprocket 93 being rotated slightly in the opposite direction by only a distance sufficient to place the teeth of the sprocket 93 in proper chain engaging position. This rolling or positioning movement of the sprocket 9'? occurs when the pair B of sprockets is not under load. As the chain I02 and the discs 24 and 26 continue their movement, the sprocket 9! is rotated in one direction and the sprocket 93 is rotated in the opposite direction through the gears 96 and 99. But when one of the teeth of the rear sprocket 93 rotates into engagement with its chain l6! upon further rotation of the discs 24 and 26, further rotation of the sprocket 93 is prevented and simultaneously further rotation of the sprocket 9? is also prevented, the sprockets 93 and 91 being locked against rotation through the gears 96 and 99 and thus forming a fixed driving unit. The driving load is on the sprockets only when they are locked against rotation and hence little or no wear is experienced by the sprocket teeth. Thus during operation of the speed changer, the pairs of sprockets continuously become engaged. and disengaged with the chains I01 and i llil but at least:onesofithezpairssisialways in driving. engagement therewith,

Asthe chains HII v and: Ill2 arer-drivem by the sprockets 93: and 6'! of the discs 24; and (26,- their movement is transmitted: to the driven; shaft 18 through the sprockets 95 and9il iandzthesegments 13K and: M ofthez drivenconical; discs]! and; 28: The manner in which. the; pairs of: sprockets; of these :driven discs 2 :I and; 28' mesh'with the; chains lai and. IE2 is exactlyvthesame-z as those-:of the driving discs 24% anob 26; so; thatthere: isino. lost motion or slippage between. the chains: and; the sprockets. Consequently, by the foregoing. posie tive chain and sprocket arrangement. the torque of the driving shaft. H: isa transmittedifullyf and completely. to the driven; shafti l8: without any lost motion or slippage between the: parts;

Asashown in'Figs. 1 and 2ithe pairs of sprockets of thedriving (115682111 and 2.6 arepositioned' at the lower inner radial end's of the slots 12,: ad'- jacent the shaft H, the discs 2! and 263 being relatively far apart, while the pairsiof. sprockets of the driven discs 21- and' 28-areadjacent the upper outer radial ends of the slots 12, the driven discs 24- and 26 beingcloser together; In this relative arrangement of the parts, the shaft I'B'is being driven at a lower rate of speed than the driving shaft" N:

If it is desired to increase the rate of speed of driven shaft 18; the hand wheel (may be rotated in the proper directionso asto pivot the pairs of levers 3'0 and" 3| and causetheirleft ends to move inwardly'toward each other; The driving discs 24 and 26- are thereby caused to move inwardly toward each other forcing the sprocket-carrying segments 13 and T4 and the chain bars 583 to ride upwardly'on' the inclined disc faces and increasing the operable diameter of the chains thereover. Simultaneously; the driven discs Ziand 28 on the'driven'shaft- I8'-are moved outwardly, thus permittingtheirsprocketcarrying segments 13 and 114 and'the cha'in bars i 03 to be drawn inwardly; anddownwardly on the inclined disc faces and thereby decreasing the operable diameter of the chains thereover: Thus, a decrease in the diameterof thechains I01 and 502' over one pair of'discsandsprockets is compensated by a simultaneous increase'in their diameter over the other pair of discs" and'sprockets, the chains mi and H72 remaining taut at all times and permitting'adjustments in'the rate of speed when the speed changer is operablyconnected and in fullloperation.

In Figs. 7. and 8'of. the drawings there is'shown a modified form of speed changer comprising-a one chain drive. This modification is-similar to that of the embodiment shown in Figs; 1 to 6, inclusive, of the drawings in that-it comprises segments Eilfland Zillmounted inslots iii-conical discs 2B2 and2ll3 and having; a pairof' fixedand spaced shafts 204 and 206 secured therein and extending therebetween. The shafts and 26B are provided with bushings 201 and 208 on which are mounted for free rotational movement sprockets 520T and 2H] having hubs-omwhich are mounted gears 2H and 212m alignment and in constant mesh. However, in contrast to.- the structure of the first embodiment the sprockets i209 and 2-HT are arranged in alignment-and in the same plane'on the samesideof'thelgearsiliil and 2l2so as to mesh with the-singlechainzlfi havingsupporting cross" bars zwsecured thereto. However, themanner of. operation Ofi this modified formof singlechain-spee'di changer is sub stantially the same as. that of I the first; embodizment'. and, hence,v therdescri'ptiont thereof will not be repeated: 7 i

It is: apparentathata the" formszof speed: chambers; described: above: are of; relatively simple: and inexpensive construction: comprising many parts of standard makes and strnctureand other parts; that may be readilyfabricatect withiia' minimum of manniacturingioperatioml At; the sametime the: speed: changers: ares infinitely; variablei withinia specifiedi range; and: they are positive in their drive without any slippage;. thereby providing smooth-1 and: continuous operamom with; at. minimum of wear Out the: intercugaginggpa-rts:

Althoughethere; have: been illustrated inithe drawings: and described". in. detaikabove two lembodiment'sof;v thes speed: transmissiom comprise ing: the presenti ihventionglit, is. apganenti that changes-Min details ofi construction; andi manner of assembly: may; be made; withoutt departing fromithe-spirit andiscopaofi'the appended :claims;

Itclaim: r 1

1.. As variable-speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shat,;a=:rotany1driiren shatt," aapair of: rotary. members mount'etdzin spacedi'nelation on: each of: said shafts? tor: mtatiom therewith and: extending radially therefrom; a". plurality of pairsof: sprockets: carriedin spaced relation: by and betweenssaid're'spectivetpaiisiofirotaryime'mher-stand adaptedzion free rotative movementi and for: movement radially) ofrsaidi rotary members toward; andairomz. said: respective shafts; means for each:- pair" of: sprocketsi operably; connected therewith for. transmitting rotary: movement of one sprocket, in "one; directibn: to the other sprocket fOD'IOtflIY-l movem'entzimtheothen direction, and, anell-(11885901184111 adapted; torhe; intem engaged; with the: respective.- pairs; ofr spmckets of said'motary membersi, i

2. A variable speed transmission comprisingia rotarydlivingishaft, a rotary; drivensshaft, azpair oi. rotary members: mountedi in: spaced: relation on eaoh-ofzsaid shaftsifon-rotatiomtherewithxand extending; radially; therefrom; .aapluralityiofrpairs of. sprockets; carried in; spaced: relation by and .netweeng saiduespectivepairsi of, rotary members and: adapted for freeirotativmmoyementu and for movement; radially Ofi saidc rotary; members toward; and from: said? respectiveeshaftsh means for eaohzpair; of! sprockets-:operably connected therewith for transmitting: rotaryp movement of, one sprocket ini one direction toithe other: sprocket f on rotary movement; in! the-other direction; and an: endless chain: adapted\ to be interengaged with! the; respective-: pairs. of sprockets; of: said rotary meniberat one of i the: sprockets of each pairbeing; mounteds in advance of) the" other sprocket; and adapted; to" engage said: chain; be.- fore said; other sproeketiandasaidnothen-sprocket being adapted:to-be-rotated throughmotary movement. transmitting meansr upon initial engagementztof: said advance. sprocket with the: chain, and: said; pairs of: sprockets being; adapted, to abe locked: against; rotation. by: said transmitting means (upon: engagementofi both of said i sprockets with-theechain. I

3:. A- variable speed:transmission-1 comprising a rotary-driving shaft, arotary drivenrshaft, apair of: rotary members-.mountedzimspacedirelationon each oil saidi shaftsv for rotationl therewith: and extending; radially: therefrom; a-lpluralityy of 'pairs ofu sprockets carried in" spaced! relation: by and between saidi respective? pairs oftrotary members and; adaptedi fun free rotative; movement and: for movementzradiallyoisaidrotarymembersitoward and from said respective shafts, a pair of gears for each pair of sprockets mounted in constant mesh with each other and operably connected to said respective sprockets for rotation therewith, and an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective pairs of sprockets of the said rotary members.

4. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a pair of rotary members mounted in spaced relation on each of said shafts for rotation therewith and extending radially therefrom, a plurality of pairs of sprockets carried in spaced relation by and between said respective pairs of rotary mem bers and adapted for free rotative movement and for movement radially of said rotary members toward and from said respective shafts, a pair of gears for each pair of sprockets mounted in constant mesh with each other and operably connected to said respective sprockets for rotation therewith, and an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective pairs of sprockets of the said rotary members, one of the sprockets of each pair being mounted in advance of the other sprocket and adapted to engage said chain before said other sprocket, said other sprocket being adapted to be rotated through said gears upon initial engagement of said advance sprocket with the chain, and said pairs of sprockets being adapted to be locked against rotation by said gears upon engagement of both of said sprockets with the chain.

5. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a pair of rotary members mounted in spaced relation on each of said shafts for rotation therewith and having radially extending slots in spaced relation, the slots of one of the rotary members being in substantial alignment with the slots of the other rotary member of the pair, a plurality of sprocket supporting means carried by and between said rotary members for radial movement in said aligned slots and comprising a pair of fixed parallel, spaced shafts, a sprocket mounted for free rotation on each shaft, a gear also mounted for free rotation on each shaft and operably connected to the sprocket on said shaft for rotation therewith, the gear on one shaft being in constant mesh with the gear on the other shaft, and an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective sprockets of the said respective rotary members.

6. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a pair of cone-s mounted in spaced relation on each of said shafts for rotation therewith and for axial adjustment therealong and being provided with spaced radially extending slots, the slots of one of the cones of a pair being in substantial alignment with the slots of the other cone of said pair, a plurality of pairs of sprockets carried by and between said respective pairs of cones and adapted for free rotative movement and for radial movement in said cone slots toward and from said shafts, means for each pair of sprocketsoperably connected therewith for transmitting rotary movement of one sprocket in one direction to the other sprocket for rotary movement in the other direction, and an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective pairs of sprockets of said cones.

7. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a pair of cones mounted in spaced relation on each of said shafts for rotation therewith and for axial adjustment therealong and being provided with spaced radially extending slots, the slots of one of the cones of a pair being in substantial alignment with the slots of the other cone of said pair, sprocket supporting means caried by and between said pairs of cones for radial movement in said aligned slots and comprising a pair of fixedv and spaced parallel shafts, a sprocket mounted for free rotation on each shaft, a gear also mounted for free rotation on each shaft and operably connected to the sprocket on said shaft for rotation therewith, the gear on one shaft being in constant mesh with the gear on the other shaft, and an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective sprockets of the said respective rotary members.

8. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a pair of cones mounted in spaced relation on each of said shafts for rotation therewith and for axial adjustment therealong and being provided with spaced radially extending spaced slots, the slots of one of the cones of a pair being in substantial alignment with the slots of the other cone of said pair, sprocket-supporting means carried by and between said pairs of cones for radial movement in said aligned slots and comprising a pair of fixed and spaced parallel shafts, a sprocket mounted for free rotation on each shaft, a gear also mounted for free rotation on each shaft and operably connected to the sprocket on said shaft for rotation therewith, the gear on one shaft being in constant mesh with the gear on the other shaft, an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective sprockets of the said respective cones, and a plurality of cross bars secured to said chain and having end portions adapted to ride and be supported upon said pairs of cones for supporting said chain in sprocket engaging position.

9. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a pair of cones mounted in spaced relation on each of said shafts for rotation therewith and for axial adjustment th'erealong and being provided with spaced radially extending slots, the slots of one of the cones of a pair being in substantial alignment with the slots of the other cone of said pair, sprocket-supporting means supported on the faces of said cones and extending through said aligned slots and comprising a pair of fixed and spaced parallel shafts, a sprocket mounted for free rotation on each shaft, a gear also mounted for free rotation on each shaft and operably connected to the sprocket on said shaft for rotation therewith, the gear on one shaft being in constant mesh with the gear on the other shaft, an endless chain adapted to be interengaged with the respective sprockets of said respective rotary members, a plurality of cross bars secured to said chain and having end portions adapted to ride and be supported upon said faces of said cones for supporting said chain in sprocket engaging position, and means moving the cones axially on one shaft closer together so as to increase the operable diameter defined by the sprockets carried thereby and for moving the other cones on the other shaft axially away from each other so as to decrease the operable diameter defined by the sprockets carried by said other cone.

10. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary driving shaft, a rotary driven shaft, a

c nc -ice n sprocket-supporting means carried in spaced r'relation 'by -and 5 between said rotary members for radial movement -there'in toward and *from said respective rotary shafts: and comprising a p air .of fixed, spaced parallel'shafts, -a sprocket'mounted for free'rotation oneachi'fiXed shaft, the: sprocket on one shaft being spaced from and out :of .alignment with the sprocket on the other-shaft) of the pair, a gear 'alsomountedior free rotation-on each shaft and perabiy=connectedito'the sprocket on said "shaft for rotation 'therewith, the 'gears on the "respective shafts of the pairs "being in constant mesh and: disposed on "the shafts intermediate the sprockets, and a, pair of endless chains extending in spaced relation 'for" interengagement with the respectivespaced sprockets of therotaryrmembers tlsl. .QA variable :speed ;transmission comprising a'rotary driving shaft, airotary driven shaft, a pair :of rotary members mounted: in spaced relation on each of said shafts dor trotation therewith and extending :radially therefrom, a splurality Of ssprocket-esupporting :means carried iin spaced: relation 'by oribetweensaid rotary members for radial movement thereon toward and from :said respective :rotary shafts and comprising azpaitof vfirreispaced:parallel shafts,1sprocketsrmonnted inaaligmnent'with eachotherfor free rotation onsaid lrespectiveifixed sha'f 13s,: gears also monntedffor :free rotatiomon said :re spective fixed shafts and .operabiy connected to the'respective sprockets thereon for rotation therewith, :said gears being in :constant mesh with each zOthBI, and an endless-chain radapted .to :be interengaged with the aligned respective sprockets of the rotaryrmembers.

12. A variablaspeed transmission: comprising a rotary 'drivingishaft, =arrotary driven sshaft,-a-rotary sprocket-lcarrying :member 1 mounted on each of said shafts for rotation therewithandextending radially =therefrom, i-a plurality of pairs (of sprockets mounted in spaced relation on said members and :adapted :for free :rotative movement and for movement radially of-said members toward and from said zrespective shafts, means for -.each :pair :of sprockets -.operably con-- nected therewith :for transmitting irotary -movementof onesprocket in one directiontto thetother sprocket for rotary movement in z the -,othe1udireotion, and '-an endless chain adapted to be ,interengaged with the {respective pairs of sprockets of said rotary members.

13. .-A variable speed transmission -.comprising a rotary driving shaft, -a rotary driven shaft, a rotary sprocket-carrying .member mounted on each of -said-shafts for rotation therewith and extending radially thereof, (a ,plurality roof pairs of sprockets mounted in spaced relation-zen said members and adapted for free rotative :movement and for movement "radially Y of said ,mem-

bers "forprotation .therewith :and an endless :chain adapted wto be iinterengaged with the sprocket means of said :rotary members, the sprocket means ofzat lleast one :ofsaid rotary sprocketcarryingzmembers 'comprising:a plurality of pairs o'fsprockets monntedrin spaced relation on said one member and adaptedfor'free rotative movement'nndifor movement radially of said member toward andxfromzits shaft and means operably connected-with-eachgpair of sprockets for transmittingrotarymovement of-one sprocket in one direction [to theothersprocket for rotary movement thereof .in the other direction.

115.;A variable :speed transmission comprising a rotary-drivingshaf-t, arotary driven shaft, a rotary sprocket-marrying -member mounted on each of said rshafts for rotation therewith and extending radially thereof, sprocket means mounted .oneach ofsaid sprocket-carrying membensfor-rotationtherewith'and an endless chain adapted :to -be inter-engaged with the sprocket means of said rotary members, the sprocket meansiof (atleast one 'of said rotary sprocketcarrying members-comprising-a plurality of pairs ofssprocketsmountediin spaced relation onsaid oneimember andzadapted for free rotative movementand for movement radially ofsaid member toward iandfromits shaftnnd a pair of gears for .each ,pair-of sprockets .mounted in constant meshwitheach other and operably connected to saidmespective sprockets for rotation therewith.

16. A variable .speed transmission comprising a rotary driving lmember a rotary driven member,.a,plurality.of pairs .oflsprockets mounted in spaced .relation .on said members and adapted lmovement of ,one sprocket in one direction to the other sprocket for rotary movement in the other direction, and an endless chain adapted tolbe 'interengaged with the respective pairs of sprockets of said rotary members.

17. A variable speed transmission comprising a rotary drivingmember, a rotary driven member, sprocket means mounted on each of said members for rotation therewith and an endless chain adapted to be 'interengaged with the sprocket means "of said rotary members, the sprocket means of at least one of said rotary members "comprising a plurality of pairs of sprockets mounted in spaced relation on said one-member and-'adapted'for free rotative movement and for *movement radially of said one member toward and 'from 'its axis of rotation and "means operably connected with each pair of "sprockets "for transmitting rotary movement of onesprocket in one direction to the other sprocket for rotary'movement thereof in the other direction.

*-' GEOFFREY M. HARRY.

iREEERENCES CITED The following references are of vrecord in the file of'thispatent:

-UNLTED \STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 724,450 =Dumaresq "Apr. '7, 1903 1,650549 Jaeger Nov. 22, 1927 2,341,076 Booth -Feb. 8, 1944 

